How to Make a Fake Arm Cast

Last Updated: February 23, 2023 References Tested

A fake arm cast can be useful in a number of situations. Maybe you want to play a prank on your friend, or maybe you need a cast for a costume. You can use a simple method, such as making a cast out of toilet paper, or a more complicated method, such as sewing a reusable cast on a sewing machine, to make a fake arm cast.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Make a Fake Arm Cast Using Toilet Paper

1
Use a washable marker to mark the cast lines. Decide how far you want your cast to come down you arm.
- For this type of cast, it's best to not go past the elbow.
- This type of cast will look more like an older plaster-type cast rather than the fiberglass wrapped cast most often used today.^{[1]
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2
Wrap two layers of toilet paper around the bottom part of your arm. Starting just below the marker line, begin wrapping the toilet paper around your arm in two layers. Tear off the paper.
- At this point, don't cover your hand. Focus on the part of your arm below the wrist.
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3
Wet the paper. Hold your arm under water for a few seconds, wetting the paper thoroughly.
4
Squeeze out the water. Press the paper to your skin, squeezing out the water as you go.
- It's acceptable to have a few wrinkles or tears. You're going to be covering that layer in more toilet paper.
5
Add another layer or two of toilet paper. Wrap it around the same part of your arm.
6
Wet the paper again. Hold your arm under the water for a few seconds to wet the toilet paper.
7
Squeeze out the water again. Press out the water, pushing the paper in towards your arm.
8
Repeat the process. Continue adding paper until you have a thick layer of toilet paper on the bottom of your arm.
9
Begin wrapping around your hand. Connecting it to the rest of the cast, wrap the paper around your hand, going above and below your thumb.
10
Repeat the same process from above. Add layers, wetting them as you go. Be sure to press the paper down to your arm so the excess water is squeezed out.
11
Let the cast dry. You can rest your arm on a towel or pillow to allow the cast to dry.
- Alternatively, try using a hair dryer.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Creating a Cast Using a Sock, Gauze, and Duct Tape

1
Use a white sock. Cut the ankle out of the sock. Cut a small triangle off at the ankle, leaving it attached on the top side.^{[3]
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- If the sock is long enough, you can cut off the foot all together. Basically, you want to create on log tube that will fit over your arm. By cutting off just the heel, you create a tube that lays flat on your arm.
- Use a sock that you don't care about, as you will be damaging it beyond repair.
2
Cut the toes off the sock. Snip off the end of the sock at the toes so you have an even toe.^{[4]
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3
Cut a hole for the thumb. Leaving about two inches or so at the bottom of the tube, cut out a small section to fit your thumb through.
- Using sharp scissors, cut a half circle in the folded sock, creating a hole for your thumb.
4
Put the sock on your arm. Pull the sock up as far as you want the cast to come up your arm. If it's too long, cut off part of the sock to make it shorter. However, you want to leave some to fold over the end of the gauze.
5
Wrap your arm with self-adhesive gauze. Starting at the bottom, wrap you arm in the gauze. Leave some space at the bottom of the sock to fold over the gauze. Overlap each layer. When you reach your hand, wrap over and under your thumb, leaving your fingers free.^{[5]
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- Don't wrap it too tightly, as it will cut off circulation.
6
Fold the sock back over the gauze. Fold the ends of the sock over the gauze.
- This step isn't vital, but it will make the ends look neater.
7
Use colored tape to wrap your arm. Starting at the folded over edge of the sock at the bottom, wrap colored tape around your arm, overlapping as you go. You can use masking tape or duct tape.
- Make sure not to wrap it too tightly. You don't want to cut off the circulation.
- Work in smaller pieces to make it easier. Use about a foot of duct tape at a time so it doesn't fold back on itself.
- You can use sports pre-wrap in place of the tape.
8
Cut off an excess tape at the thumb. If the edge of the duct tape overlaps near your thumb too much, carefully cut off the edges.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making a Fake Cast with a Sewing Machine

1
Measure the length and width of the arm. Start where you want the cast to begin at the bottom of you arm and measure up to the top of your palm. Write down the number.
2
Measure the circumference of your arm. Wrap a measuring tape around the thickest part of your arm. Write down the number. Wrap a measuring tap around your hand just under the thumb. Write down the number.
- Add 2 inches to each of these measurements for overlap.
3
Measure two pieces of flannel. Use the length and the circumference measurements to measure out a piece of flannel.
- Angle down each side from the larger circumference measurement to the smaller one.
4
Cut out two flannel pieces to what you measured. Also cut out cotton batting for the middle in the same size.
5
Check to make sure that the cast fits around your arm. Place one piece of the flannel around your arm. Make sure it overlaps an inch on each side at the thickest part.
- The part at the top of your hand will have a whole for your thumb eventually.
6
Cut tights into 3/4 to 1-inch strips. Use an old pair of tights. You can use colored tights or white tights, depending on your preference.^{[6]
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7
Layer the pieces together. Put a piece of flannel on the bottom, the batting in the middle, and a piece of flannel on top. Lay out the strips of tights on top.
- The strips of flannel should overlap each other and zigzag across the cast. They should also run width-wise not length-wise.
8
Sew the strips on. Run along the edges of the strips to sew them on. You can use a plain stitch or a zigzag strip.
- You can use the same color for the thread as the tights or use a contrasting color.
9
Cut a hole for the thumb. Fold the cast in half length-wise. About an inch from the top, cut a round hole big enough for your thumb with small scissors.
10
Stitch around the cast and thumb hole. Using a zigzag stitch, run around the edges of the cast and around the thumb hole.
11
Sew Velcro strips on. On the two long sides, sew on matching Velcro strips.
12
Wrap the cast around your arm. Velcro it in place.

Community Q&A

Question

What should I do if someone wants to sign it?

Community Answer

Tell them that it hurts for anyone to touch it, or that the doctor (or your parent) told you not to let anyone sign it.
Question

Can you give me simpler instructions on how to make a cast?

Community Answer

Grab a sock, cut off the toe, and wrap it in gauze and bandage wrap. You may want to put cardboard on the bottom or sides first to make it look more realistic.
Question

How do I make a leg cast?

Community Answer

You can use the same method, but you will also need to borrow crutches from a friend or family member.

Warnings

Be careful when cutting your cast off. You don't want to cut yourself, which is another reason to keep your cast loose.

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